Tuesday, January 13, 2009

12 of 12 Chicago edition

Chicago was so much fun. Although I couldn't completely shake the guilt I felt for booking the trip in such a rash and irresponsible way, I think it was good practice for me. I see how I've grown so routinized and unspontaneous over the years and wrapped myself up in my daily rituals like they were my favorite blanket. That's not a totally bad thing, but it seems like cheating in a way, as if I'm living life lazily. So flying off to Chicago on a whim for three nights was probably a great reminder for me to loosen up more often. We ate, we saw shows, we tripped around town, rode the El, ate deep dish pizza, had vacation sex and endured it snowing nearly the entire time. We seem to have this effect on places. Everywhere we go it snows. We can't go anywhere now though because we spent more money than we should have and it will take months and months to replenish. So some picky-poos for 12 of 12. Remember it snowed the whole time so many of the photos came out "black and white" even though they weren't . Like this one of the John Hancock building enshrouded in the clouds.

There is an observatory at the top, but we waited for the final morning to go up when the clouds were higher up.

Our hotel, The Allerton, was on Michigan Ave, aka The Magnificent Mile, and we head out on foot the first day to do a long walk around town. The temperature wasn't too bad, around 30 F, but Serge hadn't brought a tuque with him so he bought a souvenir one to wear.

The architecture was really interesting in this town. It kind of reminded me of a mini New York.

There are lots more pictures of Serge since I'm the camera hound.

In Millenium park, there's a huge kidney bean shaped object made to have a reflective surface. It made for some interesting photos. In this one you can see me in the middle and Serge walking toward the skyline.

Here we are again. I thought this photo came out like a face. Serge and I are the nostrils.

Waiting for a train to take us around the "Loop", it was snowing really heavily. That's what I was trying to capture in this picture. Instead, the girl on the cell phone with the huddling pigeons became the focus. I like it.

Looking to the left at the same spot.

In the guidebook it said we had to try "Italian Meat Subs" and "Deep Dish Pizza". We did. It was good but I'll stick with poutine and Montreal smoked meat thanks.

On the morning of our departure the weather let up so we went to the top of the John Hancock building. (From the first photo, remember?) This is looking down at the lakefront. The skyscrapers looked like legos to me. So small from up here.

They give you a little headphone set so David Schwimmer can tell you all about the city.

Shortly after this we checked out and rode the el back to the airport. I'm glad we went and also glad to be home. We both decided that we want to revisit during a warmer month as it looked like it would be even more fun then. Another year perhaps.

Sears Tower is there, and is now the tallest. The John Hancock building used to be the tallest before the ST. I live in St. Louis so I've been to Chicago MANY times, parents used to take us there often.

Like others have said, its lots of fun during the spring and fall. Summer is good too, but due to kids being out of school, it can get a bit crowded.

When you go, you HAVE to go to the science museum and of course the art museum. Grant Park is beautiful in the spring.

We have found ourselves traveling many times in the dead of winter. It's always a much quieter time to go, no tourists, and all of that. But we do have to pack our hats, coats, gloves, scarves,etc etc. Glad you're home and safe!

I've been feeling a similar tension between routine and spontaneity. Years ago a friend and I resolved 'to be more spontaneous' in the new year. Then we actually heard what we'd said. It's still a goal for me.

I think it's great that you and Serge don't let snow stop you. After living in London, Dublin and Seattle, I learned the same thing about rain.

Glad a great time was had in the Windy City. You must see the Field Museum of Natural History. I've never heard of Chicago referred to as a mini New York. I remember when they first built the John Hancock building and the windows kept falling out, very dangerous down below. The Sears Tower is now the tallest building in the U.S. of A. ed

You definitely should go back when it's warm so you can go to Grant Park or walk out on Navy Pier. The Chicago neighborhoods are worth exploring as well. A mini-New York? I never found the two to be comparable as Chicago has a much more midwestern, relaxed feel to it. Seriously, I always refer to it as a "giant Cleveland". And speaking of, Don't forget to make Cleveland your next vacation destination! (Sorry GayProf...your Detroit line made me laugh so I had to steal it)

You should definitely take in the city when its warmer. (And what did you think of your hotel? The Fella and I are always looking for nice places -- i.e., clean and affordable -- to stay when we visit Chicago.